A recent review has found that krill-based ingredients significantly benefit non-salmonid fish species’ growth, health, and quality. The study, published in Aquaculture, suggests that incorporating krill meal and oil into fish diets can improve feed intake and growth.
Conducted by Kiranpreet Kaur from Aker QRILL Company and Dr. Silvia Torrecillas from the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the review examined various fish species, including sea bream, seabass, tilapia, and olive flounder. As aquaculture expands beyond salmon, this research highlights krill’s potential in enhancing fish health even in diets low in fishmeal and fish oil.
With the rising global demand for sustainable seafood and concerns over depleting wild fish stocks, aquaculture is increasingly turning to effective feed solutions. “Krill has emerged as one such tool,” Kaur noted.
Benefits of Krill Meal
The review highlights that krill meal offers “a unique combination of highly digestible protein, phospholipid-bound omega-3s, and functional compounds like astaxanthin and chitin,” according to Dr. Torrecillas. This nutrient profile is particularly beneficial for marine fish sensitive to changes in feed.
Improvements in Growth and Feed Efficiency
Research shows consistent feed intake and weight gain improvements among fish supplemented with krill. Juvenile fish consuming krill meal grew up to 30% faster, with feed conversion ratios improving by as much as 17% compared to control groups. “We see improvements in not just growth but also in protein and lipid efficiency ratios, which is critical for feed optimisation,” Kaur explained.
Supporting Gut Health and Resilience
Beyond growth, krill is found to enhance gut health and liver integrity, especially under stress or low fishmeal conditions. The review indicates that krill aids in better gut structure, reduced fat in the liver, and improved immune responses, which can lead to higher survival rates during stressful situations. “Krill-based diets are shown to help fish better tolerate stressful environments and support a stronger immune system. This is a major benefit in commercial production settings,” added Kaur.
Maintaining Quality and Reproductive Success
The research also shows that krill inclusion maintains essential omega-3 levels in fish fillets. Additionally, when included in broodstock diets, krill improves egg quality and larval viability, benefiting species like red sea bream and Nile tilapia.
A Potent Ingredient
As the aquaculture industry continues to grow, the review asserts that krill meal and oil are vital for developing sustainable and resilient feed formulations for various fish species. The article, titled “Review: Impact of krill products on the growth, health, and fillet quality of farmed non-salmonid fish,” will be available in Aquaculture, volume 608, on September 30, 2025.
